How a fine spray that stains criminals is winning battle against break-ins and vandalism

AN anti-crime spray that leaves a unique “stain’’ on thieves is being credited with a dramatic drop in burglaries and vandalism on the Gold Coast.

Burleigh MP Michael Hart said business owners and sporting club officials at Pizzey Park in his electorate were “literally in tears’’ after a devastating spate of break-ins two years ago.

But a Newman Government trial of a product called DNA Guardian had resulted in zero robberies since 2012, Mr Hart said.

Thieves who try to break into premises protected by the technology are covered in a mist or spray which leaves an imprint unique to the business, making it easier for police to identify the culprits.

Mr Hart believed the security measure had been a “highly successful’’ deterrent at Pizzey Park.

“The Newman Government has always stated it would be tough on crime and it was with this mindset that we decided to trial technologies that could make a real difference to the community,” Mr Hart said.

“Pizzey Park was chosen as it had repeated problems for years, culminating in nine robberies and associated vandalism within 21 days. Miami Seniors Tennis Club alone had 13 break-ins in two weeks.

“The crimes were devastating the community. Business owners were literally in tears.”

DNA managing director Tania Jolley said hundreds of businesses were using the technology which she claimed had a 95 per cent success rate in preventing crime.

She said with more than 5000 armed robberies across Australia every year, crime prevention was critical.

“The psychological, emotional and financial loss to the community is enormous,” Ms Jolley said.

“Preventing this opportunistic crime is the only way to reduce the significant costs this places on businesses and the community, both in terms of the financial outcome and the fear generated by repeat attacks.”

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